This bill amends Florida's emergency management laws, specifically section 252.36, to establish new limitations on the duration of a state of emergency declared by the Governor. Under the new provisions, a state of emergency renewed by the Governor will expire after one year unless the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, authorizes an extension. If the Legislature does extend the state of emergency, it must set a termination date that cannot exceed the end of the next regular session. Additionally, the bill requires the Governor to issue an executive order or proclamation immediately upon the Legislature's concurrent resolution to terminate a state of emergency and prohibits the Governor from declaring a substantially similar state of emergency if the Legislature allows it to expire.

The bill also modifies section 252.3611, changing the frequency with which the Auditor General must update audits related to emergencies. Instead of conducting these audits annually, the Auditor General is now required to update them quarterly until the emergency is declared over. This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding expenditures and contracts associated with declared emergencies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 700 Filed: 252.3611